As Melbourne’s late-night diners trade greasy kebabs for gourmet bites, one Fitzroy deli pop-up is set to redefine the nightly munchies—and yes, it’s powered by mayo.
Heinz has teamed up with cult-favourite Nico’s Sandwich Deli to launch Heinz x Nico’s Night Shift, a self-serve sandwich automat serving free late-night sandwiches exclusively when it opens in Fitzroy on Thursday, 12th March 2026.
Bathed in blue neon light and perfumed with that unmistakable toasted-bread aroma, the automat will sling stacks of gooey, sauce-loaded sandwiches every Thursday to Saturday from 7–11pm for the next six months—marking the city’s first crack at the classic European vending concept.
While automats—those glowing walls of pre-made meals you grab straight from a heated compartment—might sound unfamiliar to local diners, they’ve been a late-night staple overseas for decades.
Specifically, a retro futuristic deli slinging handmade sandwiches on command—all starring Heinz’s [Seriously] Good Mayo as the saucy centrepiece.
Above all, the pop-up’s Night Sauce dipper, a new condiment collaboration exclusive to the event, promises to steal the spotlight as the must-try item of the launch, with its rich, tangy flavours designed to elevate every sandwich.
“We’re stoked to bring the lunchtime sandwiches we know Melbourne loves, into a whole new nighttime vibe,” says Leo Thompson, co-owner of Nico’s Deli. “The Heinz x Nico’s Night Shift will be zero fuss with maximum flavour.”
What’s On The Menu At Night Shift?
Sangas
Mozzarella in Carozza
- The late-night hero. Fried, panko-crumbed mozzarella sandwiched between golden slices of bread and served with an exclusive Night Sauce dipper made with special mayo.
Patty Melt
- Melbourne’s answer to the diner classic—juicy beef patty, white onion, pickles, cheese and a trio of sauces (Ketchup, American Mustard and Mayo) on toasted milk tin loaf.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Specifically, a crispy seasoned chicken breast with lettuce, pickles and mayo on a soft, lightly toasted loaf.
Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich
- A vegetarian twist on the classic, specifically with crunchy seasoned plantein chicken with all the same fillings (lettuce, pickles and mayo) to bring the saucy crunch.
Sides
Fry Box
- Because no midnight feast is complete without sides—supercrisp salted fries and panko-crumbed onion rings, served with that elusive Night Sauce dipper.
Working On The Night Shift
Meanwhile, over the next six months, the menu will keep changing as Heinz and Nico’s roll out limited-edition creations designed to spotlight Melbourne’s sandwich royalty—and one of Australia’s most iconic sauce brands.
“We’re excited for our [Seriously] Good Mayonnaise to meet an absolute Melbourne institution,” says Andrea Payne, Head of Taste Elevation Marketing at Heinz Australia. “The Nico’s Deli team is taking sandwich eating into the evenings.”
Finally, Heinz x Nico’s Night Shift launches Thursday, March 12 at Nico’s Sandwich Deli, 100 Kerr Street, Fitzroy—open Thursday to Saturday, 7–11pm, through winter.